4 Notes on Playiting. 



the winter the top is often nipped by the cold but the roots are 

 uninjured. In April trim back the tops. Shearing is necessary 

 to grow a good border. The name of the Florence hotel and the 

 Hotel del Coronado is made of this plant. Lobelia is a pretty 

 border plant, but requires trimming and frequent replanting to 

 keep it in order. Blue Ageratum is good for a border, growing 

 possibly a foot high. The variegated or silver thyme is much 

 used about San Francisco — but is rarely seen here. The violets 

 make an excellent border for all north and northeast beds. They 

 should be divided and re-set in May, and are in bloom during 

 winter and spring. The daisy also requires a shady location. 

 The variegated dew plant is excellent if a wide border can be 

 grown — one foot to eighteen inches. No department of garden- 

 ing has been more neglected here than this one, but during the 

 past year more interest has been shown, and in time all will be 

 willing to work hard for the returns — good borders we can and 

 must have. 



THE GARDEN'S STORY. 



'The Garden's Story is a most charming little book hy G. H. 

 Ellwanger, full of practical suggestions and the following are worth 

 heeding: 



Study soil and exposure and cultivate no more space than can 

 be maintained in perfect order. 



Plant thickly; it is easier and more profitable to raise flowers 

 than weeds. 



Avoid stiffness and exact balancing; garden vases and garden 

 flowers need not necessarily be used in pairs. 



A flower is essentially feminine and demands attention as the 

 price of its smiles. 



Let there be harmony and beauty of color. Magenta in any 

 form is a discord that should never jar. 



In studying color effects do not overlook white as a foil; 

 white is the lens of the garden's eye. 



Think twice and then still think before placing a tree, shrub 

 or plant in position. Think thrice before removing a specimen tree. 



Grow an abundance of flowers for cutting; the bees and 

 butterflies are not entitled to all the spoils. 



Show me a well ordered garden and I will show you a genial 

 home. 



